Are you dreaming of hiking the Great Ocean Walk? With 104km of epic coastline, lush rainforest, and remote beaches stretching from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day hikes.
But if you’re just starting to plan your walk, the logistics can feel a bit overwhelming.
At Walk91, we’ve helped thousands of hikers just like you for over 20 years. Based locally in Apollo Bay, we’re the only business solely dedicated to the Great Ocean Walk—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
So, read on to discover some of our top tips. And remember, if you need any help planning your walk please feel free to just get in touch! You can either complete the whole trail in 4,5 6 or 7 Days or choose a 3 Day Hike that includes some of the best bits (and there are a few!). And that’s the trouble! With so many wonderful options to choose from, it can be a bit hard to know where to start!
Where Does the Great Ocean Walk Start and End?
The official starting point is in Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road, and the walk finishes at the spectacular Twelve Apostles.
Many walkers ask: Do I have to walk the entire 104km? Absolutely not!
You can walk for one day if that’s all you feel like doing! One of the most walked Great Ocean Walk sections is from Shelly Beach back into Apollo Bay. Day trippers like this section as it is only 8km and you can walk back to your car in Apollo Bay if you get dropped off at Shelly Beach carpark.
Alternatively, you can leave your car at the beach access at Marengo and walk from Shelly Beach to the Marengo Marine Sanctuary, which turns this walk into an approximate 6km hike. This is a lovely Great Ocean Walk section that will lead you through ferns and coastal forests, before dropping down onto the beach, or choose to walk the track which hugs the coastline. TIP: Check your tide chart first, and look out for koalas and Southern Right Whales in the winter months!
Of course, this is only the start of the Great Ocean Road Walk track, but there are lots of sections to choose from, which you can walk at your leisure. Walk91 offers flexible itineraries ranging from 3 to 10 days, whether you want to walk the full trail or just the highlights. You can walk at your own pace—slow and scenic, or fast and focused. You can even include a rest day if you wish.
Tide Safety and Coastal Sections: What You Need to Know
Parts of the trail require beach walking, which means checking the tides, weather, and ocean swell.
Note: This is critical for your safety.
Key areas that can be tide-affected:
- Parker Inlet
- Milanesia Beach
- Johanna Beach (this is the Walk91 team crossing Johanna River above).
- Wreck Beach
- Rainbow Falls detour
⚠️ These sections are stunning but can be dangerous at high tide or in large surf.
Walk91 provide tide charts, daily weather updates, and advice on when to walk—or avoid—these areas for all our walkers. If you’re walking unsupported, make sure to check tide times and have backup plans in place.
Do You Need a Map for the Great Ocean Walk?
Yes—and not just any map.
We recommend the official Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk map, especially if you’re self-guided. For those walking with Walk91, we supply detailed daily maps and personal notes, highlighting:
- Pick-up and exit points
- Rest spots
- Beach entry/exit routes
- Emergency contact info
This is key to staying safe, especially if you decide to change your plans mid-walk.
Walk91 provide the Great Ocean Walk Map booklet which is also a mini guidebook, but some walkers prefer the bigger, fold-out two-sided map so that you get a better overall view of the whole walk at a glance. However, this map does tend to get a bit ripped after a few days walking, especially if it gets a bit soggy in the rain!
The guidebook notebook of the Great Ocean Walk is a little more expensive but is more durable. If you arrive without a map, pop into the Information Centre in Apollo Bay to purchase. (No.100, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria, 3233) – the address of the start of the Great Ocean Walk trail!
Both map options are published by Parks Victoria. And remember, if you are walking with Walk91, we provide the Great Ocean Walk booklet or the map if you prefer, and talk you through all the important points to remember during your walk briefing on arrival in town.
How Do You Manage Luggage on the Great Ocean Walk?
Here’s one of the biggest hurdles for walkers: “Do I have to carry everything on my back?”
Yes, if you are walking unsupported. Some walkers choose to carry everything on their backs for the duration of the walk, walking in and out of the campsites each day. This is the only way to avoid using car shuttles.
But, not with Walk91! We transfer your luggage between accommodations. That means you can walk with just a light daypack and still have access to:
- Extra clothes
- Food supplies (if you want to self-cater)
- Toiletries
- Charging gear
If you’re self-catering, we’ll even transfer your food with your luggage. However, if you don’t want to buy all your provisions before you walk (there are no shops at all on the track – only in Apollo Bay), Walk91 do offer a food delivery service of pre-cooked homemade meals, but only for those who are being fully supported by us on their Great Ocean Walk adventure 🙂
What About Campsites and Accommodation?
Walkers can choose to camp in hike-in campsites or stay in local guesthouses, cabins, or lodges.
Campsite Options:
- Hike-in sites: Basic bush settings, drop toilets, no showers.
- Drive-in sites: Larger, often for school or tour groups. (Still no showers!)
Book early—especially in peak months (March, April, September, October). The campsites can be booked through Parks Victoria for a small fee. But you must book in advance, and the Park Rangers do patrol the sites, so make sure you have your booking details with you. Make sure you also follow all the rules at the campsite for lighting fires and instructions on bushfire ‘watch and act’ days (displayed on the notice boards).
The campsites on the Great Ocean Walk are as follows:
Eliot Ridge campsite (10km walk from Apollo Bay)
Blanket Bay campground (12km walk from Eliot Ridge)
Cape Otway Campground (11km walk from Blanket Bay)
Aire River Campground (10km walk from Cape Otway)
Johanna Beach (14km walk from Aire River)
Ryans Den Campground (14km walk from Johanna)
Devils Kitchen (13km walk from Ryans Den)
12 Apostles (16km walk from Devils Kitchen)
Walk91 can offer camping packages (so that you don’t have to carry your gear for most of the walk), or organise B&Bs, and everything in between. We can even mix a bit of camping and accommodation both in the one ‘Great Ocean Walk Tour’ walking holiday itinerary. Just get in touch for more details.
Is There an Entry Fee for the Great Ocean Walk?
No, which is great! While you walk through Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks, there’s currently no permit or entry fee just to walk the trail. (Tour operators have to pay a fee to use the National Park for business purposes, but if you are going it alone, there is no fee).
However, if you’re camping in Parks Victoria campsites, fees do apply, and bookings are essential.
Finishing at the Twelve Apostles: What to Expect
The final day of your walk brings you to the world-famous Twelve Apostles—towering limestone stacks that make for the perfect reward at the end of your journey.
Many Walk91 guests say approaching the Apostles on foot is far more powerful than seeing them from the car park. Be prepared for the busyness of the carpark when you arrive though! It can get very busy at times and it can also be a bit of a shock seeing so many people in one place after such a quiet walk where you hardly see anyone!
If you are walking with us you can text us when you arrive and we will be waiting for you. We will just pull up at the 12 Apostles kiosk in our bus when you are ready and whisk you away. We’ll then return you to your accommodation in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell—or back to your parked vehicle.
Final Thoughts: How to Plan Your Perfect Great Ocean Walk Itinerary
Planning a multi-day walk like this can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. If you decide to go it alone; read up before you arrive, buy the official Great Ocean Walk map, think carefully about how far you think you can walk each day and choose whether you would prefer to camp or stay in accommodation (or both). And make sure you come prepared with all the gear you will need.
With over 20 years of experience, Walk91 can:
Keep you safe and stress-free, so you can focus on the experience
Build a custom itinerary to suit your pace and fitness
Organise accommodation, transport, and luggage transfers
Provide local insights, weather alerts, and real-time support
These hiking tours by Walk91 in Victoria, Australia, offer a truly safe and stress-free way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road Walk. Just get in touch for more details. We look forward to hearing from you!
